Is your organization or group hosting a climate action event in BC? The Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions may be able to help. 

The Climate Action Events program supports events that share knowledge and ways of knowing, build skills and foster meaningful conversation to advance climate action within BC.  

The program offers $2,000 to $5,000 for eligible events.  

The program accepts applications from: 

  • Organizations and groups, including student groups, at post-secondary or other educational institutions;  

  • Indigenous organizations; and 

  • community-based and non-governmental organizations actively working on climate change. 

Applications open Sept. 5, with two intakes:  

  • Oct. 3, 2023 by 4:30 p.m. —  for events happening after Nov. 1, 2023.
    You can expect to hear from PICS by Oct. 31, 2023.
     

  • Dec. 4, 2023 by 4:30 p.m. — for events happening after Jan. 1, 2024.
    You can expect to hear from PICS by Dec. 29, 2023.

PICS aims to fund a maximum of five projects per intake. 

To apply, please download and complete this application form and email to picsevents@uvic.ca before the intake deadlines of Oct. 3, 2023 or Dec. 4, 2023. 

FAQs

Who can I contact with questions about the application form or process?
Please email us at picsevents@uvic.ca. We’re here to help.
What kind of events are eligible for funding through the program?
Funded events can be conferences, webinars, workshops, panel discussions and other event activities linked to climate action. Events may be hosted in-person or online.
Which events are more likely to be funded?

PICS will prioritize funding for events that:

  • provide direct value or benefit to communities. (Communities can include groups living in common areas and/or groups with common interests); and
  • include and/or explore the connections between mitigation and adaptation and are rooted in principles of climate justice and reconciliation (see below for resources related to these concepts).

PICS is particularly interested in supporting events which advance climate action on the following topic areas:

  • Energy transition;
  • Net negative carbon drawdown and negative emissions technologies;
  • Ecosystem health;
  • Sustainable food systems and food security;
  • Indigenous knowledges and reconciliation;
  • Climate resilient communities;
  • Resilient livelihoods and just transition;
  • Post-wildfire resilience;
  • Water stewardship; and
  • Human health and wellbeing.
My organization is not based at a university. Can we receive funding?
Yes. Community-based, Indigenous and non-governmental organizations actively working on climate change are eligible for this program.

Governments and government organizations are not eligible.
How are applications evaluated?
PICS uses the following criteria to evaluate applications:
  • Evidence of collaboration with (or leadership from) community group/s;
  • Clear topic area of focus (either from the list above or other);
  • Clear description of event purpose and the value of the event;
  • Identification of community of focus (a community that is being served with the event);
  • Well thought-out event format/structure and content;
  • Defined actions or next steps that could potentially flow from the event;
  • A realistic/suitable plan for event evaluation;
  • Consideration of equity, diversity and inclusion in event design/delivery;
  • Demonstrated need for PICS funds (through spending/contributions information).

Final adjudication for this funding call will also consider a portfolio approach that seeks balance between geographic, organizational and thematic diversity of initiatives.

How will PICS decide if it will fund an event?
The PICS Event Program Committee, which is comprised of four PICS staff members, will review your application. Each member of the committee will independently review and score each application using a ranking system based on the criteria listed above. The committee will then combine the rankings and use that information to decide whether to fund the event.
How and when will I receive a decision about my application?
PICS is committed to providing funding decisions by Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023 (for the Oct. 3 intake) and Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023 (for the Dec. 4 intake). You will receive your decision via email.
What does my organization need to do if its event is chosen for funding?
  • Organizers will work with PICS to arrange for transfer of funds.
  • Organizers will need to display the PICS logo and acknowledge funding from PICS in written/online promotional content for the event, as well as (where possible) verbal acknowledgement of PICS sponsorship.
  • Organizations will need to complete a brief form at the end of their event to report back on the event’s outcome. This form will also include two to three program evaluation questions.
Looking for some resources on climate justice?

Climate Emergency Climate Justice Lens (UBC)

Six pillars of Climate Justice (University of California Centre for Climate Justice)

Looking for resources on reconciliation, Indigenous knowledges and leadership, and climate change?

BC First Nations Climate Strategy and Action Plan (BCAFN) 

Environmental Protection and Climate Action (Assembly of First Nations)

Indigenous knowledges and climate change (Climate Atlas of Canada)

10 principles of Reconciliation (Selkirk College)

Looking for some resources about how to host an accessible and inclusive event?

Hosting inclusive events (BC government) 

Accessible and inclusive event planning (UBC Equity and inclusion office) 

Accessibility and inclusion in community-engaged events (SFU Public Square)